Meet our UK Team

Stephan Schumacher

Interim CEO

Stephan Schumacher has worked for DKMS since its foundation in 1991. During his long career at DKMS, he has held many positions including Office Manager, Director of Donor Recruitment, Chief Marketing & Operating Officer and CEO of DKMS LIFE.

Since 2012 Stephan has been Director of International Business Development, primarily responsible for the development of further DKMS offices (entities) across the globe. He supports the DKMS management in the decision-making process whether it is advisable to establish a DKMS entity in any nominated country. He is responsible for setting up and developing the new entity in close cooperation with all relevant departments at DKMS and provides support and advice to the new entity.

Stephan was significantly involved in the establishment of DKMS Poland, serving as its President from 2009-2015. He is currently Vice-President and board member. He was interim CEO of DKMS UK from 2016-2019 and is currently a board member for DKMS UK and DKMS Africa. Stephan is a member of the WMDA World Marrow Donor Association.

Stephan lives near Cologne, Germany, is married and has four children.

Hasnein Alidina

Country Manager (Finance & Operations)

Hasnein was appointed Country Manager (Finance & Operations) in June 2023. He oversees the finance, donor request management and donor services & data management departments, as well as all admin, logistics and IT operations of the organisation.

Hasnein joined DKMS in November 2016 as Head of Finance. A chartered accountant with over 40 years’ professional experience, he has played an integral part in the growth of the DKMS in the UK.

“I am excited to take on the role of Country Manager (Finance & Operations) and looking forward to taking DKMS UK through the next stages of its development.”

Caroline Richardson

Head of Fundraising

Caroline is responsible for creating and implementing a fundraising strategy that enables DKMS to register more potential lifesavers.

Caroline joined DKMS in April 2015 as the Corporate Fundraising Manager. The charity was only two years old in the UK, so she felt that it was a place of great opportunity, where she could really make a difference to people’s lives. She took over as the Head of Fundraising in 2018.

Caroline explained, "I lead a fantastic team of dedicated fundraisers working together to coordinate fundraising activities and events that encourage people to get involved and support the lifesaving work of DKMS UK. We are continuously inspired by our amazing supporters!"

Phil Hoffmann

Head of Marketing & Communications

Phil and his team are responsible for supporting all departments at DKMS UK with marketing and communications expertise. They ensure DKMS is always visible, promoting a consistent corporate written and visual style, and raising awareness and support for our mission by positioning DKMS in all relevant digital and print media.

Phil joined DKMS UK as Head of Marketing and Communications in June 2023. He first joined DKMS in Germany in 2013 where he held roles in online marketing and international digital project management.

“Being a bone marrow donor myself, I know how easy it can be to make a difference and save a life. I love being part of DKMS and supporting our mission with my knowledge and passion.”

Regina Salih

HR Manager

Regina supports the organisation and its staff with recruitment, payroll, performance management, employee relations, benefits administration, training, learning and development and all other HR matters.

Regina joined DKMS in 2018 because she was looking for a role with a cause. She always knew it would be a charity connected to cancer due to losing her grandfather, aunt and cousin to the disease. She explains, "I knew immediately that I could contribute to DKMS by recruiting amazing, talented, passionate people committed to giving patients a second chance at life.

"I love being so close to the cause and working with colleagues who are equally passionate. My hope for DKMS is that it continues to grow and provides even more matches for those who need a second chance at life."Helen Kelly

Helen Kelly

Head of Projects and Operations

Helen was appointed Head of Projects and Operations in May 2022, having joined DKMS in 2018 as the Head of Donor Request Management. She supports the team who support donors identified as a potential stem cell match for a patient. The team work closely with transplant centres and hospitals here in the UK and around the world to make sure we provide the best possible care for our donors and patients.

Once a donor has been matched with a patient a team of dedicated coordinators will support the donors throughout their donation journey. This includes organising medical appointments, booking travel and answering any questions about the process.

After studying physiology at the University of Glasgow, Helen moved to the charity sector. She now has over 10 years’ experience working for charities such as the British Red Cross and Breast Cancer Now. When a close friend of hers donated his stem cells in 2014, she was inspired to sign up to become a donor and jumped at the opportunity to work at DKMS a few years later.

Helen said "Alongside my team, I get to see some of the amazing and selfless things our donors do to help someone they’ve never met. We play a small, but vital part in supporting donors to give a second chance of life to a patient in need. I’m still waiting to be matched myself!"